Help centre

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about hiring Rockfish III on Sydney Harbour. Can’t find your answer? Call (02) 9211 7900, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

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On board

Where do we cruise to?

Rockfish III picks up at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour and cruises nice and slow past the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. We then find a nice beach where you are welcome to swim and light up the BBQ. We usually stop at Athol Bay (Taronga Zoo) or another inner harbour beach, depending on wind and weather.

Can I play my own music?

Yes please! Both of our catamarans have a Bluetooth connection that allows you to connect to your music device to our speakers. We have a USB charging spot so be sure to bring your charger so we can party all cruise long!

Are there bathrooms on board?

Yes. Each catamaran has a toilet on board. Rockfish III has two on board toilets.

Is smoking permitted on board?

Smoking is only permitted onboard once at anchor and in a dedicated area of the catamaran located towards the back of the vessel.

Can we bring a DJ on board?

No. Rockfish Catamarans do not have a power source for DJs to come on board. DJs can bring their own generator, but this does take up significant space onboard. Contact our team for more information.

Is there a BBQ on board?

Yes. All of our catamarans feature an onboard gas BBQ. Your rate includes all amenities use. Our deckhands will be able to assist in any cooking required.

Planning your cruise

How many people can attend my cruise?

Rockfish III takes a maximum of 43 passengers, regardless of age or weight, plus 2 crew. By law we cannot take any extra passengers. Entertainers and waiters count towards the 43.

Can I board the vessel early to set up?

Rockfish has only a 15 minute time slot on a wharf booking so you will need to set up what you need in that 15 minutes. In some cases you will be able to meet the skipper at the marina where we keep our vessels, to set up an hour prior to your cruise. Please confirm with our reservation crew to see if this is possible for your cruise.

How long can we cruise for?

Our standard cruise time is 4 hours, which gives us plenty of time to cruise around, stop off in a bay for a swim, and cook up a BBQ!
Many customer find they are having such a great time they like to extend the charter. If we can accomodate the extension we are very happy to extend for an additional fee. The fee can be paid with credit card when extending.

Please note Bucks Parties are a maximum of 3 hours.

What if the time I want to cruise is not available?

When making a booking, if you see that the time you prefer is not available, please contact us! Our standard times are listed in our availability but usually we can be flexible and accommodate you to cruise at another time.
Many customer find they are having such a great time they like to extend the charter. If we can accomodate the extension we are very happy to extend for an additional fee. The fee can be paid with credit card when extending.

When should I arrive at the Wharf for my booking?

We recommend to arrive at your booked wharf at least 15 minutes before the start of your cruise. Once the catamarans has departed, they will be unable to return for any late passengers.

How do I contact my skipper on the day of the cruise?

We will supply you with the skippers name and contact number prior to your cruise in case you need to contact them. Please only contact the skipper on the day of the cruise if you are having trouble locating them at the wharf. All other enquiries should be direct to our Rockfish Crew via email.

Wharves and getting there

Which wharfs do you pick up from?

Pick up and drop off is at King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour, included in every charter. Lavender Bay and Pyrmont Wharf are also included on request. Other Sydney wharves such as Woolloomooloo, Rose Bay and Double Bay are available for an extra $100, depending on the boat’s schedule that day. See all wharf locations.

Can you arrange extra pick-ups?

Yes, extra pickups from a selection of wharves can be pre-booked. Alternative wharves are $100 each. Ask the team when you book.

How do I get to the Wharf for pickup?

King Street Wharf is on The Promenade, Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000. Wynyard Station is the closest train and bus stop, and Secure Parking is across the road at 1 Shelley Street. King Cellars bottle shop is right at the wharf if you need drinks. Full directions are on our wharf locations page.

Booking and prices

How much does it cost to hire a Rockfish catamaran?

The whole boat is $2,500 for 4 hours Sunday to Friday, $2,800 on Saturdays, $3,200 on public holidays and $15,000 on New Year’s Eve. That includes your skipper, deckhand, fuel and wharf fees. Alternative wharves are $100 extra. Book direct online with code BOOKDIRECT for $200 off. Check live availability.

How much deposit is required?

To confirm your charter and preferred cruise date and time, a $500 deposit is required. Unless you are booking within 14 days of your cruise date then full payment is required.

How do I book?

Pick your date and time on our booking page and pay a $500 deposit by card to lock it in. The balance is due 14 days before your cruise and we will send you a reminder. Bookings inside two weeks are paid in full.

What happens if it rains?

Rockfish will still go out in the rain and we have plenty of undercover area for everyone! If the weather is deemed unsafe for passengers and crew, Rockfish will reschedule your charter. Please find our full terms & conditions here.

Food and drinks

Can we BYO food & drinks?

Yes! You are more than welcome to bring your own food, Rockfish provide a gas BBQ for you to use. Alternatively we have some catering packages on offer for example a $25pp BBQ package and a $25pp cheese platter which also includes 3 bags of ice, plates & cutlery. Drinks are BYO, Rockfish supply eskies but we recommend to bring 3 bags of ice (one extra on a hot day) to keep your drinks nice & cold. Please bring canned drinks as glass is a hazard. Wine and Champagne is ok however care needs to be taken with the bottles.

Who cooks the BBQ?

Whether you bring your own food or we supply the food for you, our friendly Rockfish crew will be more than happy to assist you with cooking the BBQ! Have a look at our BBQ Catering package here!

Are there Cups, Plates and Utensils onboard?

We highly recommend to bring your own cups. We may have some plates and utensils onboard, however we recommend to bring your own.

Safety and kids

Can I bring children on board?

Feel free to bring your children along! We have railings around our vessels but please make sure to keep an eye on the little ones at all times. Please note Rockfish supply adult life jackets only so please BYO children’s life jackets.

Do I need to wear a life jacket?

We have adult life jackets onboard but they are not a requirement to be worn while onboard. Please BYO children’s life jackets if you are bringing children onboard.

Am I allowed to jump off the side of the boat?

Yes but only at the back of the boat and only while the boat is stationary.